Object Lesson

Equipment: a can of lemonade, a cup with a dirty inside (perhaps smear the bottom with Marmite, Nutella or peanut butter).

Lesson'Who would like a drink of lemonade?' Pour some into the cup. Choose a student to drink it. When they look inside and refuse to drink, ask 'What's the matter? The lemonade is good. The cup looks nice.' When they say, 'The inside is dirty,' say, 'Why does that matter? It looks good on the outside.' (They return to seat.)

Say: 'Many people look good on the outside, but when you get to know them you realise that they are rude, or disrespectful. Like this dirty cup. Do you know people like that?

How do you feel when you are around them?

Discussion Questions

1. How should we treat others? (Politely, with respect, using our best manners.) 2. What about people we don't like? How should we treat them? (The same.)

3. Why? (Everyone has feelings. Good manners are contagious. It keeps a happy atmosphere.) 4. Which is more important, looking good or being polite? (Being polite.)